As the weather gets warmer, you may be thinking about a holiday road trip. Whether you just want to relax or fancy a bit of an adventure, we’re here to help you.
Here are some hidden gems for your next long-weekend road trip.
Monkton Nature Reserve.
There’s a lot of green space in the UK, and that means plenty of hidden places you might have never heard of.
For a trip off the beaten track, head to Monkton Nature Reserve in Kent – the garden of England.
The Reserve is just off the Viking Coastal Trail. It’s accessible by car for a day trip, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can bike the trail from Ramsgate to Broadstairs, or walk smaller parts of it.
It’s perfect for family time, alone time, or any time really.
The Venice of the Cotswalds.
Okay, that was a cheeky hook, we know. But Bourton-on-the-Water is an incredibly picturesque road trip stop.
Five stone bridges cross the River Windrush and throughout summer you can paddle in the shallows. If you’re brave you can paddle in spring as well, but be warned – it’ll be fresh.
The architecture also sets the scene for some relaxing walks. And with plenty of local food spots, what’s not to love?
Wild pink sands of Sandwood Bay.
There are plenty of vistas to choose from in the Highlands. But, for the adventurous types, a certain hidden beach offers a private view of the sea.
You can’t access the beach at Sandwood Bay by vehicle, but a car park is situated at the end of a 4-mile path leading straight there. The pink sand is a highlight of the Highlands, but be sure to not leave anything behind while you explore. Sandwood is considered one of Britain’s most unspoilt beaches.
Plus, the photos will give everyone you know major FOMO.
Berwyn Mountains waterfall.
If your holiday road trip travels through Wales, a visit to the tallest single-drop waterfall in Britain is a must.
Pistyll Rhaeadr is 80m tall and captivates explorers all year round, sometimes freezing over, creating a sculpture in winter.
There are further walks through the mountains that you can access from the staffed car park and cafe. But if you just want a break, they’re open from at least 10-4 throughout the year and have a variety of food.
Our only recommendation is to check the weather before you travel.
Old Harry Rocks.
These are old rocks. Really old. Jurassic, in fact.
As well as being home to a host of coastal seabirds, the chalk cliffs at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset hold a great amount of history. Marking the start of the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visitors can admire the views, and try their luck finding a fossil.
So, there we have it. Five ideas for your next holiday road trip, from up north to down south.
Before you head out, remember to do your car checks. Bank holidays can see an 18% rise in callouts, so look at tyres, battery, fluids, and fuel as a minimum.
And if you’re not sure what you’ll need in case of emergency, you can find your perfect travel kit at the Green Flag shop.
As the weather gets warmer, we’ll be back with more road trip ideas. But for now, we wish you safe spring travels.